Ronald J. Alfs

Ronald John Alfs, a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at York General Hearthstone in York, Nebraska. Ron was the third of four children and was born at home in Shickley, Nebraska, on May 4, 1935, to John and Erma (Ketchum) Alfs. Ronald lived a life full of love, integrity, and devotion. Ron was a lifetime resident of Shickley. He was an active, life-long member of the Shickley United Methodist church where he was baptized and confirmed. He graduated from Shickley High School in 1952 and attended Nebraska Wesleyan for one year. It just so happened that Ron was ushering in church when Merrill and Sherrill Larson came to Shickley with their Wesleyan friend for the weekend. This was the beginning of a life-long, loving relationship. Ronald married Merrill Faye Larson on March 24, 1957, in the Potter United Methodist Church. They recently celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. The devotion and respect Ron and Merrill showed each other was a testament of their love for each other. To this union, six children were born: Jacalyn, Judith, Amy, Bryan, Timothy and Nancy. Spending most of his life as a farmer and well driller, Ron valued the resources of land and water. John B. Alfs, Ron’s father, began Alfs Well Drilling in 1940. By the time Ron was 16 years old, he was driving the water truck and grew up as his dad’s right-hand man. Ron learned much from his father and he joined John in running Alfs Well Drilling in 1953. Both Ron and his father had mechanical minds and calculated, designed, and fabricated their own test rigs and drillers. Employees, customers, and vendors were important relationships he valued. Ron and his father also sold Case equipment until 1965, and Ron was a Reinke Pivot dealer when they first became available in the 1970’s. Ron served on the Nebraska Well Drillers Association board of directors and was always interested in innovations in the industry. He was recently honored with an award of Achievement and Community Service by his peers at the Nebraska Well Drillers Association. He has been quite proud to share his love and knowledge of the well drilling business with his sons, Bryan and Tim Alfs. Ron’s legacy will live on through his sons, who are also training up Ron’s grandsons, John and Adam Alfs, in the business. As a lifetime resident of Shickley, Ron spent his years enriching the lives of those around him, leaving an indelible mark on his family, friends, and community. Ron was very active in his “Big Little Town”. In his earlier years, he served on the Rescue Squad and was a member of the Shickley School Board of Education. He was a member of the Shickley Lions Club and was an active member of the Shickley Commercial Club. Ron was a faithful member of the Shickley United Methodist Church and served in many capacities, from usher to trustee. Many a batch of homemade ice cream was churned in the Alfs’ garage for the annual church ice cream social. Ron took pride in his community and was so pleased to see the construction of the Community Center, the improvements to the Shickley Cemetery, and the creation of the War Memorial. He knew the value of the small businesses and was always looking for ways to help Shickley and Fillmore County to thrive. Ron’s kindness and dedication were evident in his actions and unconditional love for his family. Ron and Merrill were inseparable and shared many fun times together. They loved attending Nebraska Football games; getting to know new friends with card games and fishing as Winter Texans at the Dunes; and took many travel adventures together. Alaska and Australia were just a couple of their favorites. Ron and Merrill moved to Willow Brook Assisted Living in York in 2017 and gained even more friends and the staff that became like family as well. Raising six children meant there was a LOT of activity going on at the Alfs’ House. Ron’s children gained a wealth of knowledge from their dad. He would never give them his direct advice, but he would use guided questions to help them think about, and come to their own decisions. Ron modeled to his children how to treat others. Be kind, take the high road, don’t be boastful. Ron’s face would light up anytime he had a chance to be around his grandkids and great grands. Birthday celebrations, basketball games and graduations were just a few highlights. All were his pride and joy! Ron never knew a stranger and his sense of humor was always appreciated. He always had a positive attitude and never complained about anything. Even when he had setbacks or struggles with his health, he always maintained, “I’ve had a blessed life”. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, John and Erma Alfs; his siblings, Mary (Al) Gay, Kenneth Eddy and Viola Ann who both died in childhood; and his daughter-in-law, Marti Alfs. Ronald will be deeply missed, and his legacy will be carried forward in the memories and stories shared by those he held dear. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Merrill; his children, Jackie (Patrick) Pope of Columbus, Judy (Dave) Smith of Graford, TX, Amy (Rodney) Bear of Kearney, Bryan (Kari Jo) Alfs and Tim (Jody) Alfs of Shickley, and Nancy (Victor) Alfs-Caballero of Calca, Peru; Ron’s 14 grandchildren: Michael (Amy) Pope, Erin (Matthew) Welsh, Mitchell (Maggie) Pope, Nicholas (Ashley) Bedlan, Angela (Koby) Styles, Ryan (Erin) Bear, Amanda (Nathan) Pfeil, Ashley Bear, John Alfs, Regan Alfs, Adam Alfs, Abby Alfs, Megan (Josh) Erickson, Emily (Andrew) Votipka; and 27 great grandchildren and another on the way. A Funeral Service for Ron was held on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Shickley, Nebraska. Pastor Monica Magoola presided over the Funeral Service. Holly Schoming accompanied the congregation in the singing of “How Great Thou Art” and “On Eagle’s Wings” The recorded selection “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)” was also played during the Funeral Service. Pallbearers included grandsons, Michael Pope, Mitchell Pope, Nicholas Bedlan, Ryan Bear, John Alfs, and Adam Alfs. A Private Graveside Service was held in the Shickley Cemetery following the Funeral Service. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the Shickley United Methodist Church, Shickley Community Foundation, or the York General Dialysis Center. The Alfs family would like to express our deepest gratitude to all who provided unwavering support, kindness, and compassionate care to our beloved father and our family before and since his passing. Your generosity and dedication brought comfort during a difficult time. A special thank you to Dr. Brady Fickenscher, Dr. Leslie Spry, the wonderful staff of Willow Brook Assisted Living, the York General Dialysis staff, the Hearthstone staff, Pastor Monica Magoola, Hanke, and all our beloved family and friends. Each of you went the extra mile, showing unparalleled compassion and care for our dad and our family. Your kindness will never be forgotten. With sincere appreciation, Merrill Alfs Jackie Pope, Judy Smith, Amy Bear, Bryan Alfs, Tim Alfs, Nancy Alfs and Our Families

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Ronald J. Alfs

May 4, 1935 - April 12, 2025